Job prospects for heavy equipment operators

Heavy equipment operators are in charge of moving equipment, goods and heavy materials in various sites. They are also known as backhoe operator, bulldozer operator, excavator operator, loader operator, surface mining equipment operator and grader operator.

Heavy equipment operators operate equipment that is commonly used in the construction and maintenance of roads, buildings, bridges and other structural work. They use these machines to clear the land and carry materials for construction work. Heavy equipment operators also operate machinery that is involved in spreading concrete and asphalt on roads.

Heavy equipment operators generally work for approximately 40 hours a day for five days a week. A lot of their work involves overtime although the demand for additional hours depends on the region and the sector. In any case, the work is challenging and requires sufficient training.

People who operate heavy equipment are required to ensure that the machinery used for such work is in good condition. They have the responsibility of maintaining vehicles and equipment used for construction. These equipment and vehicles need precise handling and repair as they are controlled using levers, pedals, switches and joysticks. They will need to make adjustments to the machinery as and when needed.

According to a survey, about 53% of heavy equipment operators work in the construction industry followed by the manufacturing, public administration and municipal sectors. Mining and forestry also need heavy equipment operators.

Job opportunities are most favorable for those heavy equipment operators who have the necessary certification along with an apprenticeship certificate. Graduates with a DEP in Heavy Equipment operation are also sought after. Experienced operators who are currently unemployed are also much in demand.

These days, there is a good amount of requirement for heavy equipment operators. During the recession that hit the country in the early 1990s, the number of heavy equipment operators had gone down considerably. One of the reasons is the slowdown in construction activities, civil engineering and developmental projects. However, once the recession abated, these activities increased steadily and the demand for heavy equipment operators rose correspondingly. It is expected that one can see a similar trend when the current recession tides out in areas where construction and developmental activities have slowed down.

Employment growth for heavy equipment operators depends to a large extent on the activity in the civil engineering and road works sector. As the government spends more readily on infrastructure, there should be a parallel increase in the number of heavy equipment operators. As residential construction activities pick momentum, there will be a growth spurt here too. All in al, the future looks quite bright for heavy equipment operators.